Gum Surgery in Vancouver B.C.

At Fraser Family Dental Practice, we will take the time to discuss the procedure for your selected gum surgery, as well as making sure we answer any questions or concerns you might have. Gum surgery may become necessary when a thorough dental cleaning is unable to reach the bacteria below the gum line. Please read below for a brief overview of the most common types of gum surgery.

1. Gingival Flap Surgery is used when periodontal pockets are greater than 5 millimeters in depth. During the procedure your gum tissue is cut allowing the tissue to separate from the teeth. Using an ultrasonic scaler, the area is deep cleaned, then hand instruments are used to remove any remaining biofilm, plaque, and tartar. Once the cleaning is finished the gum tissue is then secured against your teeth.
2. Gingivectomy is used to permanently remove excess gum tissue. By removing the overgrown tissue, you will be able to clean your teeth easier and keep bacteria from collecting in the excess tissue. During this procedure your gums would be numbed, and the excess gum tissue would be cut away.
3. Gingivoplasty reshapes healthy gum tissue around the teeth allowing for a better appearance, and an easier time cleaning your teeth. If your gum tissue has receded from the tooth a gum graft may be necessary. Usually the skin graft will be taken from the roof of your mouth and then it is stitched into place on either side where the gum tissue has receded.

Once your gum surgery procedure has finished we will go over the proper care for cleaning your gum tissue and teeth using antibacterial mouthwash, antimicrobial fluoride toothpaste, and floss. Many patients are concerned about the pain involved with gum surgery. Most patients complain of mild to moderate pain, and it’s typically managed with over-the-counter pain medication. Swelling may occur around the gum tissue and we recommend applying ice packs to affected area. Please do not hesitate to contact our office if you are experiencing any problems or have any concerns about the procedure site.